If you are unable to map a network drive, maybe, after updating Windows 11/10, then follow this troubleshooting guide. It is a common problem among people who recently installed a new feature update of Windows.
It is relatively straightforward to map a network drive. By mapping a network drive, a user can connect a local drive to shared storage on another PC in the same network.
Let’s assume that you used the network drive earlier on your older build of Windows 10. If after you installed a new feature update. it stopped working, you may be required to go through the same steps. But if it still does not works, then this registry fix may help you.
Before getting started, it is recommended to create a System Restore point.
Unable to map Network drive in Windows 11/10
To fix unable to map a network drive issue in Windows 11/10, follow these steps-
- Press Win+R to open the Run prompt.
- Type regedit and hit the Enter button.
- Click on the Yes button in the UAC prompt.
- Navigate to the network drive key in HKCU.
- Right-click and delete it.
- Navigate to Map Network Drive MRU in HKcu.
- Delete all entries for your drive.
- Reconnect your network drive.
- Navigate to the network drive key in HKCU.
- Right-click on it > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name it as ProviderFlags.
- Double-click on it and set the Value data as 1.
- Click the OK button.
You will have to open the Registry Editor on your computer. For that, press Win+R, type regedit, and hit the Enter button. Once the UAC prompt appears, click the Yes button.
After that, navigate to this folder where D represents the network drive-
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Network\D
Right-click on D, select the Delete option and click on OK to confirm.
Following that, navigate to this key-
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Map Network Drive MRU
Here you will see some entries with your previously selected drive. As it is different for each user, you will have to find out these entries and delete them accordingly. For that, right-click on it, select the Delete option and click the OK button.
Now, follow this detailed tutorial to map or add a network location or map FTP drive in Windows 10. After that, navigate to this path-
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Network\D
Don’t forget to replace D with your drive letter. Right-click on D > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it as ProviderFlags.
Double-click on it to set the Value data as 1 and click the OK button to save the change.
That’s all! Now you won’t get the problem anymore.
Why doesn’t Map network drive show up in Windows 11?
An incorrect Registry setting could cause this error in Windows 11/10 PC. You need to verify whether you have enabled the network drive in HKEY_CURRENT_USER or not. If yes, you need to delete it. On the other hand, you must delete all entries from the Map Network Drive MRU key as well. If these keys are there, you won’t find any option to map a network drive on your PC.
Related: The mapped network drive could not be created
How do I enable mapped drives in Windows 11?
You can map drives in Windows 11 using the File Explorer option. That being said, you can open This PC and choose a drive you want to map. Then, click the three-dotted icon and select the Map network drive option. Next, you can choose the folder location accordingly. Once done, your selected drive will be mapped automatically.
Hope this post helps you.
TIP: Network Drive Control lets you set up Advanced Drive Mapping Options
